I know! Not what you expected!
As I look out the window and see snow on the ground here on the east coast, I can’t help but miss SoCal. Why? The weather! For a good part of the year, it feels like spring! EVERY DAY. And fortunately, living near the water, I rarely experienced the blazing heat of summer that would slap you in the face when you traveled just a few miles from the sea! Needless to say, I rarely ventured too far from the water.
But, as much as it felt like spring, it wasn’t! It was officially spring when I planted my herb garden. As a foodie, for me, there is nothing like cooking with fresh herbs or simply tossing them in a fresh organic salad of mixed greens!
I got so excited this summer when I saw my girlfriend’s herb and vegetable garden here at home. Here I thought I was doing something all those years, but her garden put my little pots to shame! Her raised beds were overflowing and were so plentiful that she had asked for some suggestions on what to do with all of it. (As I snipped my very large to-go baggie!) Best collards EVER!
Many people don’t really cook with fresh herbs or give them much thought at all, but herbs and spices have great importance in our way of living.
They are not only ingredients used in food and beverages, they can be found in perfumes, medicines, as well as cosmetics. The development and sale of essential oils derived from herbs and spices are also a fast growing industry.
I’m guessing a great many of you walk right past the fresh herbs and spices in the market. Some wondering what they are and what the hell to do with them. Many people’s only experience with herbs and spices are those racks and racks of jars with contents far past their prime. Sadly, they do not last forever. Both the flavor and value of herbs and spices diminish over time.
If you can find a reputable sources for loose herbs and spices sold by the ounce, do it! You can buy the jar once and then re-fill as needed purchasing small quantities.
In foods, herbs and spices are used to infuse flavor, aroma and color. But, they also offer numerous anti-aging and nutritional benefits. Many have superior antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
So what exactly are spices?
Spices and herbs spices are the aromatic parts of a plant. They contain high concentrations of flavor or aroma. Some plants are both herbs and spices and some herbs can be used for both, culinary or medicinal purposes.
Spices and herbs are increasingly used in pharmaceuticals to fight various illnesses. We are constantly discovering new ways to utilize herbs to fight disease.
Many of the world’s most coveted spices originated from various tropical areas of the world. They grew wild for thousands of years. But, their inability to be grown in harsh weather made them more desirable and sought after in the west. Wars have been fought over spices we use today!
Because of their scarcity in Europe, spices had enormous trade value. After Europe entered the spice trade during the 16th century, spices became more widely available.
China, South East Asia and India are the birthplace for many popular spices and herbs including anise, cardamom, basil garlic, clove, ginger, nutmeg peppers and onions. Spices like bay leaf, cumin, fenugreek, rosemary, sesame, sage and thyme come from the Middle East.
The opening of trade routes changed the way modern people ate. We became interested in exploring the flavors of other countries and cultures and we able to do so through the use of spices.
The diversity in the American culture introduced a change in flavor perception. Spices from different part of the world are easily available to people who want to taste the cuisine of other cultures.
Spices command a special place in the world of culinary arts. Just a pinch of the right seasoning blend can transform any dish into a mouth-watering delight. Whether you are enjoying s simple chicken breast, a nourishing salad, steamed or sauteed vegetables, or a simple soup – spices can be the key to increasing flavor!
In addition to adding aroma and taste to any food, spices are also packed with a range of physical and mental health benefits.
Many spices are scientifically proven to lower inflammation in the body, improve our adaptability to stress, prevent cancer, protect the heart, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, prevent anxiety and depression, improve longevity, and the list goes on!
A Fascinating History
Humankind’s love for spices has been said to have changed the course of history. Spices were indeed one of the first items ever traded on a global scale. Back in ancient and medieval times, the spice trade brought together the eastern and western world by facilitating the exchange of ideas and information.
By the end of the 15th century, a huge demand for spices motivated Europeans to invest heavily in navigation and shipbuilding. By navigating the oceans, Europeans wanted to find an alternate route to India – the land of spices – so that they could dominate the global trade.
This was the start of the foundation of the modern world that we live in today, motivating and driven by scientific explorations, the discovery of America, (they discovered it, but it was already here and occupied, but that’s a whole other topic!) an alternate sea route to India, colonization, the concentration of wealth – and ultimately paving the way for industrialization.
To this day, spices are prolifically traded and savored around the globe. India, however, still retains its title as “the land of spices” – being a major producer, exporter, as well as a major consumer of spices.
The Anti-Aging Benefits of Spices Used In Indian Cuisine
Turmeric
Also known as “a golden spice,” turmeric is an integral part of Indian meals. Barring some sweet dishes and some add-ons, it’s hard to find an Indian recipe without a hint of turmeric in it. Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard about turmeric’s potent anti-inflammatory benefits. A powerful antioxidant, compounds in turmeric defend us again free radicals that damage our cells and lead to aging.
Like anything, all Turmeric products are not created equal. Fresh and organic is amazing, but be careful.
My friend was advised by his doctor (which surprised the hell out of me!) to supplement with turmeric. He was eating fresh turmeric. I found this out when one day he smiled at me and it looked as if he had swallowed the damn sun! His teeth, which were normally pearly white, were sunflower yellow! They’re white again, but that was quite hilarious. For me. Not him.
Black pepper and chilies
Black pepper and chilies (both red and green types) are also a part of daily Indian meals. These spices add a hot, pungent flavor and have carminative properties.
Cardamom
Cardamom has a sweet, heavenly flavor and an intensely rich taste. Its uplifting aroma makes it an ideal addition to curries, sweet dishes, and daily tea.
For a season Starbucks had a seasonal coffee containing Indian Spices, specifically Cardamom that I became totally addicted to for a hot minute. When they discontinued it, I was forced to take matters into my own hands.
Since that time, you would always find a mortar and pestle on my counter with cardamom pods and cinnamon not to far from it!
Curry leaves
Curry leaves are used to add an herbaceous aroma to curries and pulses. They have a bitter, astringent taste and a very strong flavor that overpowers the smell of any other spice used in the recipe. Curry leaves contain high amounts of some strong antioxidants and are considered especially useful for aging skin and hair.
Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds are very beneficial for people with diabetes and high blood pressure. They are used for flavoring daily meals: pulses and vegetables. Small amounts of fenugreek seeds are also taken alone for treating some conditions, such as high sugar levels, hair thinning and shedding, dry skin issues, hormonal imbalances, and for post-natal care in women.
Cumin seeds
Just like fenugreek, cumin seeds are also used as a flavoring agent in daily meals. They are high in micronutrients (mainly iron, calcium, and magnesium) and play an important role in digestion. Something that tends to malfunction a bit as we women age!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its sweet flavor and potent antioxidant properties. It is popularly used to flavor coffee, tea, sweet dishes, and curries.
Ginger
Ginger is also used in almost every Indian meal, be it daily pulses, vegetables, curries, or morning tea. Ginger tea is known to improve immunity against common colds and infections. Ginger also helps in soothing the digestive tract and helps regulate bowel movements.
Garlic
Garlic is considered a super food for overall health. Used in preparing vegetables and curries, garlic reduces inflammation and is said to lower the risk of various chronic diseases, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer. Its high potency is also beneficial for treating common colds, allergies, and congestion. I think I have some form of garlic and onions daily. Whether it’s sautéed in my greens, chopped into my omelet or just crushed in a glass of water, I swear by it!
Five reasons to add more spice in your life!
A number of studies have shown that adding more spices to your meals not only eases digestion they offer up some some AMAZING health benefits as well.
High in antioxidants and micronutrients
Spices are loaded with a wide range of antioxidants and micronutrients that can give your regular meals an extra boost of nourishment. For example, celery seeds alone contain as many as 12 kinds of antioxidants and about 25 anti-inflammatory compounds, apart from being an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. Garlic contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. Ginger, black pepper, fenugreek, coriander, cinnamon are all powerhouses of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that lower oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Reduce inflammation
Spices are extensively used in traditional medicines as a natural way to fight inflammation and pain. Several studies over the years have corroborated these ancient practices and provided evidence that spices can indeed be a powerful tool to lower inflammation in the body. A 2018 study that documented as many as 30 powerful anti-inflammatory compounds found in Indian spices, suggested that adding more spices to your meals can prevent a number of chronic diseases.
Curcumin, the active compound of turmeric, is among the most powerful anti-inflammatory food sources on the planet, having been proven for its efficacy by over ten thousand studies and hundreds of clinical trials. Turmeric tea (or golden milk) is also taken as a pain-reliever for getting quick relief from menstrual cramps, joint pain, arthritis pain, injuries, and wounds.
Boosts Immune System
Spices can boost the immune response in multiple ways. Firstly, they provide essential micronutrients while also boosting nutrient absorption from other food sources. These micronutrients are needed only in small amounts, but are nonetheless essential for the proper functioning of organs. These nutrient boosts have a huge impact on our organs and cells that are part of the immune system.
Secondly, their antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties can prevent infections by killing germs and pathogens that may enter the body. Further, their ability to soothe inflammation can help calm any aggressive reaction from the immune system, thus effectively preventing allergic reactions and auto-immune diseases.
Lower the risk of chronic diseases
The immune-boosting, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties of spices altogether help maintain the optimal functioning of organs and tissues. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper are scientifically proven for their ability to lower blood sugar, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and regulate blood pressure. Several studies, including a recent 2020 study, have suggested that the various therapeutic compounds present in traditional spices can be a powerful tool to prevent chronic conditions like arthritis, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, cancer, and so on. They have also been found beneficial in preventing age-related degeneration of brain cells that causes dementia.
Improve digestion and metabolism
Well, this is the most obvious no-brainer. Spicy meals are known to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes, which helps in easing the digestion process while also improving metabolism. However, not all spices work in a similar manner; and not all people need to activate their glands. Some of us are blessed with already good digestive strength, and stimulating the process too much may not be the most desirable thing – this is why we need to balance our meals with a wide range of spices. Spices come in all kinds of tastes and flavors, and not quite surprisingly, all these flavors play a unique role in the digestion process.
Balancing flavors – the key to optimal digestion
Spices that have a hot potency and pungent taste can activate glands, increasing the production of enzymes and acids. This helps in the breakdown of complex proteins and fats. Black pepper, chilies, ginger, cayenne, garlic, cloves, mustard, and onions fall into this category.
Astringent spices like turmeric, basil, nutmeg, rosemary, oregano, coriander (cilantro), poppy seeds, saffron, curry leaves, and fennel play a key role in absorption and elimination. They absorb excess moisture and help in binding the stool, which eases its movement inside the digestive tract. This promotes regular bowel movements and keeps the digestive tract clean, thus boosting the absorption of nutrients.
Bitter spices like dandelion root, turmeric, fenugreek, cumin are great detoxifiers. While they do not have the most appealing taste on their own, bitter spices stimulate the appetite (and thirst) and help bring out the flavors of other tastes. They play an important role in cleansing the GI tract of toxins, parasites, and germs. These spices also support blood detoxification and improve mental wellbeing.
A word of caution!
If there were indeed some elixir of youth on this planet, it would no doubt, include spices. As with most things, excess is bad, and spices are no exception.
Adding high amounts of spices to your food, or adding too many spices of similar taste, can disturb the balance of digestive juices and enzymes. This can cause digestive issues like heartburn, acidity, constipation, too fast digestion, incomplete digestion, or diarrhea.
As always, balance and moderation is the key. It’s always best to include small amounts of a wide range of spices; keeping a balance between astringent, pungent, and bitter flavors for the best results.
So go ahead! Spice things up! Your entire being will thank you.